Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I didn't see this on the search so I hope I didn't miss it, and yes I know you can get wigs made with real hair :P. I was just curious to see how many people here decided to use wigs, is it more common in the younger years? maybe those first starting out transitioning? There are some really nice looks for shorts hair but I've been looking at getting a wig, something about shoulder length and a lighter brown than my actual hair colour. How about everyone else, if you do use one what length and colour do you prefer? or do you keep a couple depending on your mood? I look forward to seeing what others respond.

in answer to the question.  Yes

Now for the explanation.  I am thin on the top and front.  There for I wear a unit to cover those areas.  The rest is all mine.

Yep, I have no choice (MPB started 30 years ago) and honestly am fine with it. Easy to deal with: wake up, comb it out on the bed and throw it on. No bed hair to deal with, no long drying time or dealing with having wet hair etc. And no hair stylist or cutting, dying to cover gray etc which likely would end up being more than I spend on wigs.

I found one I love that looks nice, is comfortable, not hot in the summer and are cheap. I get them on sale when wigs.com has a 30% off sale for about $60, buy 3 at a time to get free shipping. They stay looking good for about 30 days wearing them all day every day. After that they are getting a bit frizzy looking, I keep the last months one around for lounging around the house or doing yard work etc and after 30 days, break out a fresh one and toss the other one.  I know you can get human hair ones but they take a lot of care, don't hold a style well and are $$$, you can't just toss them as they get frizzed or out of shape etc. I honestly don't see any diff, at least this one I like. It looks like real hair to me and just shake it out, brush and it's ready. Even after washing, I brush, wash, shake it out and let it air dry and no need to style it. These modern synthetics are MUCH nicer than the ones they had years ago.

I did end up trying probably 8 different styles and brands before I found this one and think it fits my general style well. I have plenty of people tell me they like my hair, who does my hair etc.

It's a Jon Renau decadent in 12/30BT color

http://www.wigs.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=598 (http://www.wigs.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=598)

The picture online shows these as having short bangs but the actual wig has pretty long bangs in a crisscross part like in my picture. I guess you could trim them if you wanted straight bangs to cover your forehead like that? All their wigs I have tried are very comfortable too.  I guess it was just one more thing, I could be upset I have no hair but it not going to solve anything worrying about it. Turns out this is easier than dealing with my own hair this length (I had hair that was this length when I was in high school)..

Both!
Mostly my real hair, but I do Cosplay sometimes too.  Wigs are great for changing your appearance.

Hi Sarah;

Unfortunately for those of us that started later in years to transition, a natural (not synthetic) wig is the way to go; but I would strongly recommend you get one fitted properly.
I have bought mine through Natural Image. They sell through various Hair Salons or Department Stores. I bought mine in Dingles in Exeter, as the lady there is TG friendly.

See:
http://www.naturalimagewigs.co.uk (http://www.naturalimagewigs.co.uk)

Hugs
JudithLynn

Hi Sarah,

I think if you can your real hair is a good way to go, but as other woman have said that isn't always possible. But do go to a wig salon to get fitted and styled. They are TG friendly as the two biggest client base they have are people on chemo and TG people. You will get good advice about what suits you and in your age group and advice on keeping your wig in top condition.

My avatar is wearing a wig, I've now grown my hair out and had a professional style, colouring and cut. Which I found totally awesome and very liberating, it also means there is no way that I can pretend to be a guy, which helped in my confidence and general appearance.

BTW the hair salon staff were totally supportive, very helpful and basically built a style for me that I hadn't thought of.

Hugs

Cindy

I'm a member of the MPB club so i wear a wig. I tried a variety of cheap wigs just to figure out what cut looks best on me and tossed some questionable choices  :laugh:

The wig i like most is from wigs-us on ebay. Its a light auburn w strawberry highlights shoulder length wig, and it cost about $35. I've never gotten any weird looks when i've been out in it so it must look OK at a casual glance. Closer examination would reveal that it's a wig.

If i were out more en femme i'd probably go to a wig shop and get something better.

As a nearly life-long member of the MPB club I have no option other than a wig. Of course like so many other things I sure do wish I had my own, especially if like my mom's. (I got her hips and tendency for the top so I should't be greedy  :) )

The synthetic wigs I use run $150 to $200. I haven't tried human hair. Out of my justification range being part-time. Plus the care and upkeep is more extensive. After a while either type needs replacement as the wear and tear starts to show. It took some experimenting to know what colors and styles really work best and that I enjoy wearing.

I went with my own hair. I was lucky though, I've never suffered from MPB. I did consider a wig, but decided I'd rather spend the money on clothes. :P

Your own hair is the way to go if you have it.  A good hairstyle can do wonders for your passability not to mention confidence. . If you do go with a wig take your time in choosing it. A professional can be of great help. I went through three wigs before settling on one. Expensive! A good hairstyling should compliment your face.

When I first started transition, I was wearing wigs. Eventually i got confident enough with my hair (I was growing it oout and taking supplements to thicken it up and make i healthier looking. Finally one day I got the courage to go out without a wig on, and I haven't worn one since. I'd recommend natural hair, if you can get away with it. =)

I had a big bald spot on my head when I first started hrt and had to wear wigs at first. But luckily with time, hrt and finesturide, my hair thickened up and filled in enough to not need one by the time I went completely full time. I used a really good synthetic and didn't have much trouble. In fact, several of the ts women that I was around a bit early on in support groups and even hanging out with them thought it was my real hair.  I found wigs to be uncomfortable and hot though, even with lace fronts.

Quote from: Jaime on October 03, 2012, 10:20:12 PM
I had a big bald spot on my head when I first started hrt and had to wear wigs at first. But luckily with time, hrt and finesturide, my hair thickened up and filled in enough to not need one by the time I went completely full time. I used a really good synthetic and didn't have much trouble. In fact, several of the ts women that I was around a bit early on in support groups and even hanging out with them thought it was my real hair.  I found wigs to be uncomfortable and hot though, even with lace fronts.

I would have to agree with you regarding comfort. Plus in the winter time I was always worried it would move or come off while i was taking my hood down.

No wig, god I have so much hair I never know where to put it all... the layers do nothing ;D I think in a wig I would have a heat stroke.

a wig or two might be convenient, since i can't seem to stop dying my real hair in the most ridiculous colors
on some occasions it might be good to have either short or long hair in a more natural looking color

I used to use wigs when my hair was very short but now my hair has reached my shoulders I try not to bother, I find wigs are too hot now I have lots of hair & I can't afford to buy the more expensive types that are cooler.
I would wear one for a short period however, for example if I wanted to change my style for an evening.

If it is possible your own hair is better. Now I do understand that certain factors can make long hair difficult to achieve. And in that case, I think one should invest in a very high quality wig that matches their own hair color.

As for myself, I started growing my hair out right after puberty. I didn't even realize I would one day actually go through with what was in the back of my mind screaming at me. Anyway, having two feet of hair going into the womanhood process makes it easier on me. Plus there is a certiain joy in playing with your own hair. I was always afraid to do it before because guys, well first they don't have long hair, and second, if they do they don't play with it in public!   

I would answer both.  In my avatar I am wearing a wig.

I'm not full time and my hair is fairly short but I wear in in a feminine style.  If I was full time I could get away with my natural hair especially if I let grow a little longer.  But right now I feel self conscience in public unless I'm wearing a wig.  I have several different styles and colors (all real hair).  Some look better than others and it's a good way to see how you look the best.  It definitely pays to go to a wig shop. 

I honestly wish I wore wigs in the beginning or got hair extensions/weave..

Sadly I painfully grew out my hair from very short to mid-back length, there were about 2 whole years where my hair looked like a mop-headed boy.. I suppose a hair awkward state? hehehe
Either way, If I could do it all over again I would go with a human hair wig or at the very least human hair clip-in extensions...

I perform at many bars through out my state, and I can say that synthetic hair is very hard to take care of.. I'm always replacing my wigs and pieces almost monthly or using them only for hair stacking ex. buns.

Get that remy hair guurrrl <3

Well, if passing is your priority real hair is the way to go if it all possible. I grew mine below my shoulders shortly after moving out from my parents' home and have worn it in many lengths and styles since. That said, as something of a hairstyle enthusiast, I've owned and worn wigs since the '80s. Wigs offer a quick way to change your color and style, but I can say from experience that a the wrong wig-- or poorly cared for wig-- can look like a real piece of s__.

My biggest peeve with crossdressers and transgenders is with wigs. I can't count how many times I've seen a pic online of someone who looked just fine except for the thoroughly unconvincing wig. When choosing a wig it's super important to choose one of good quality that is right for you. And if you are wearing a style that normally shows the front part and all you've got is a front wig edge, you've totally blown it in the passing department. It's not easy to wear a wig and have it look like your own hair-- and you're probably not going to do it for $59.95.

~ Lyric ~

I'm lucky as I got my Mum's gene's for hair. If I had my Dad's. I'd be as bald as a coot!.  I hate wigs.  I know that for some they are essential but in my day's of living part time, I found them hot, itchy and irritating.

It's interesting from many comments I read on trans forums over the years: unless you have real hair or no one could ever tell you are wearing a wig = you look like a man. So that being the case, any female who wears a wig are now men or don't pass? I see lots of women who clearly are wearing a wig but no one "clocks" them. But yes on a trans forum they would be told "You will never pass with that wig"..

Who do you think wigs are manufactured for? Here is a hint, they are not made for trans-women. Clearly they should look as much like real hair as possible but saying real hair or a $$$$ wig is required "to pass" is simply nonsense.

Quote from: yasuko14 on October 06, 2012, 11:15:32 AM
I honestly wish I wore wigs in the beginning or got hair extensions/weave..

Sadly I painfully grew out my hair from very short to mid-back length, there were about 2 whole years where my hair looked like a mop-headed boy.. I suppose a hair awkward state? hehehe
Either way, If I could do it all over again I would go with a human hair wig or at the very least human hair clip-in extensions...

I perform at many bars through out my state, and I can say that synthetic hair is very hard to take care of.. I'm always replacing my wigs and pieces almost monthly or using them only for hair stacking ex. buns.

Get that remy hair guurrrl <3

WOAH remy hair, now that's a blast from the past  ;D ;D

I'm going through this debate myself. I started growing my hair in June (after shaving my head for over a decade). Much to my dismay, MBP is starting to creep in. I'm thinning out on top and my hairline is a frightened animal. I know that I could try Propecia, but I don't really want to do extra damage to myself (in terms of side effects) on top of HRT. Wigs may just be easier and safer.

Quote from: Stephe on October 06, 2012, 01:43:48 PM...saying real hair or a $$$$ wig is required "to pass" is simply nonsense.

Most wigs are sold to genetic women and most of those women look like women wearing wigs. Life isn't fair, unfortunately, though, and that's usually not the case with TG folks. Gender identification is a matter of subconsciously adding up various signals. About the first signal you look for if you suspect someone isn't the gender they first seemed is their hair. Thus if a person appears a bit mannish in other ways, an obvious wig will finish the assessment. Alas, we have to try harder to achieve the same result-- looking like a woman.

I've worn wigs and known wig wearers for decades now and one thing I've noticed is that the wig wearer is always the last realize they're wearing an obvious wig.

It's certainly possible to wear a convincing inexpensive wig, although it's trickier. Any wig needs to be well matched to the wearer for coloration, shape and fit. Most wigs need at least a bit of custom fitting and trimming to look good on the wearer. Even an expensive wig can be unconvincing, though. They usually need to be styled and cared for often to maintain a convincing look.

~ Lyric ~

Quote from: Lyric on October 07, 2012, 06:50:24 PM
About the first signal you look for if you suspect someone isn't the gender they first seemed is their hair.

Maybe if you are trans that is the first thing you "study" on someone you suspect as trans, to see if they have a wig? And if it's common for women wearing a wig to look like women wearing a wig, why would that clock anyone?

The first signals people look at is the face, then the voice. People generally do not gender people by their hair as the first clue.

And on the "natural hair is best".. I casually know several trans people that are trying to use their thinning natural hair and they really look horrible. They would be much more attractive in any sort of a wig.

Obviously what is important is to have a style/color that suits you if you want to look nice. That IMHO is much more important than if it's your real hair, a synthetic or human hair wig.

I like to be able to show the hair line because it makes it look better in my opinion and gives more styling options. That said the hair style needs to complement the face. That's where a good wig salon comes in. Kerrianne, your style seems to complement your face nicely.

I don't think many people would say natural hair is always best. The reason most people wear wigs is because their natural hair doesn't look good enough to them.

Many TG people do underestimate the importance of the way a wig looks, though. It's not easy to wear a wig without it looking like one. And anyone who appears to be wearing a wig tends to be unusual, since hardly anyone under 70 wears a wig these days. It's not like the 1960s when wig wearing was a substantial fashion trend.

~ Lyric ~

Many celebrities wear wigs.  If selected properly and fit correctly, it is hard to tell.  The problem comes in the way it is worn.  Hair line is not correctly placed.   Wig is not properly cared for.  The wig slips.

Well my real hair is pretty long I've been growing it out since I was 15. But it's easier for me to wear a wig than to spend money getting it done. I love wigs for all the options they provide. They give me the freedom to try different styles, lengths, and colors. Not to mention there are so many good ones out there. Especially if your willing to spend good for them. I caught the wig bug from my mom she has tons!!!

Great topic!  I want to go with my own hair (which has grown back more than a little, due to minoxidil, HRT, etc, and is still growing back after some degree of MPB), for various reasons, some of which I shall get to momentarily.   However, what's wrong with this desire is that my own hair might not ever be thick enough on top to be suitable in any case—and long hair just has so much appeal.

The problem with wigs (for me anyway), aside from the obvious egocentric reasons, is the desire/need to wear one most of the time.  I would need something comfortable and well-fitting enough to exercise in, and so forth: something nearly as practical and adaptable as one's real hair; and at least presently I can NOT afford expensive wigs.

So for me it is currently much an open question.  I too am quite interested in everyone else's replies.

Well being ex military i had to rely on wigs. But i did notice u sweat alot more with wigs than regular hair. Im growing mine out. If u have the type of hair that u have a certain style to then go for it.

I've been battling the wig demon for many years. I don't have MPB but my hair is wispy on top and I need to cover my forehead. Wigs make me feel false and rock my self confidence. I know I probably would look better in a wig but I just don't seem to be able to come to terms with it.

A few things I have learnt though;

Make sure the wig cap is big enough for your head. (the one attached to the wig)

Human hair doesn't need to cost the earth I bought a good one of ebay for £80

A human hair wig can last years and can be washed/straightened so can be good value

Positioning of the hairline is vital, one of the biggest tells is to wear it too far forward

The only style that seems to work with synthetic is a bob.

A fringe/bangs is essential to cover the hairline. A swept style is near impossible to pull off.

Get a stylist to cut the fringe, it's very difficult

A toupee can be undetectable. I worked with a guy for three years and didn't notice until I was working above him and saw his woven parting.

It may be true that FAAB girls wear wigs but a different set of rules apply to T-girls. If I see a wig I'm straight into questioning mode. The area I work in has a large African population and bad wigs are common but that doesn't change the rules for T-girls.

Notice how most people recommending wigs are over 40yrs old.

Hair is not factored in how people gender you BTW. Of course if you're balding real bad it'll come off as a manly feature but provided your hair is full it doesn't matter if you have long hair or not. It's a myth from the trans world. Back when I started transition I had around 1 inch of hair( had a buzz cut 2-3 months prior) I was sure I'd need a wig but then I was systematically mam'ed at work because of body language and facial expressions. So yes I was lucky to pass well pre-HRT but it also made me realize that hair is severely overrated in passability.

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 07:39:47 AM
Hair is not factored in how people gender you BTW.

Sorry sweetie, have to disagree with you here. Esp. from behind, I look at the hair first and only if something else is out of whack do I look anywhere else. Even from the front, I form my first impression from long hair. Short hair, I'll look elsewhere (chest, face,etc.) but it's always the hair first.

I do agree that people with short hair can look very feminine, but if you're trying to distract someone from features that are masculine for any reason, long hair really helps.

You look at the hair but your brain looks at posture/demeanor. Even from behind would you misgender a group of metalheads with long hair? No, their demeanor would quickly cue them as male. That's also why you can gender someone off your field of vision without directly looking at the person. If you see a trans woman with a big stature and a very manly demeanor from behind I can assure you that you will not be fooled by her long hair. Maybe I'm the one being weird because even I wear my hair up most of the time I tend to believe that I look much more feminine and loose hair makes me more guyish. Maybe it's because as a teen I had shoulder length hair so maybe I see my teen boy face more instead of a woman when I do so IDK..

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 08:58:31 AM
You look at the hair but your brain looks at posture/demeanor.

I have argued this before, some trans-people seem to believe posture/demeanor/mannerisms mean nothing. I know several TS women (two are post op) that would easily "pass" in photographs, but in person people see "a guy" from across the room just by how they carry themselves. As long as you have neat hair styled some what fem, you hair isn't going to be what clocks you.

And how -we- gender people is a horrible way to look at this. Of course trans people will look for the detail "clues", depending on which ones they themselves are obsessed with. The general public looks at genera face/voice/demeanor as the main clues. The comment "If I see a wig I'm straight into questioning mode." is typical. Of course you are, you are trans. Most people aren't trying to play "lets hunt out the ->-bleeped-<-" game.

And I am ONLY saying that wigs are better than when older women with some MPB or "wispy" are trying to pull off real hair. Obviously if you are younger and have nice real hair you should use that.

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 08:58:31 AM
You look at the hair but your brain looks at posture/demeanor. Even from behind would you misgender a group of metalheads with long hair? No, their demeanor would quickly cue them as male. That's also why you can gender someone off your field of vision without directly looking at the person. If you see a trans woman with a big stature and a very manly demeanor from behind I can assure you that you will not be fooled by her long hair. Maybe I'm the one being weird because even I wear my hair up most of the time I tend to believe that I look much more feminine and loose hair makes me more guyish. Maybe it's because as a teen I had shoulder length hair so maybe I see my teen boy face more instead of a woman when I do so IDK..

Very true. Attitude and confidence level also plays a big role

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 08:58:31 AMMaybe I'm the one being weird because even I wear my hair up most of the time I tend to believe that I look much more feminine and loose hair makes me more guyish. Maybe it's because as a teen I had shoulder length hair so maybe I see my teen boy face more instead of a woman when I do so IDK..

This is interesting. Since you wore your long hair down before transitioning, you wear an up style to feel feminine. That reminds me that a big part of this stuff is not about "passing" with others, but feeling more like your target gender yourself. I've seen posters on this forum who always wear skirts because they don't feel feminine enough wearing pants. For most TG persons wearing long hair feels more feminine just because they wore it short as a man.

While voice and mannerisms may be the strongest gender indicators (well, after boobs or facial hair, perhaps), I think people tend to behaive more feminine when they feel more feminine. Thus, wearing hair in a way that feels feminine to you probably plays more than just a visual part in that process.

~ Lyric ~

Quote from: Lyric on October 10, 2012, 10:52:25 AM

While voice and mannerisms may be the strongest gender indicators (well, after boobs or facial hair, perhaps),

Boobs are way down the list. Most people don't go around looking at people's chest to gender them.

Quote from: Stephe on October 10, 2012, 09:31:18 PM
Boobs are way down the list. Most people don't go around looking at people's chest to gender them.

Speak for yourself :laugh:. I think I do. I suppose it depends, though. Any unusually prominent feature is always noticed.

Quote from: Lyric on October 11, 2012, 09:31:39 AM
Speak for yourself :laugh:. I think I do. I suppose it depends, though. Any unusually prominent feature is always noticed.

Again how we gender people is a poor judge of how gender is chosen. People look for things that aren't easily changed, i.e. facial features and voice. There are plenty of small breasted women out there and no one thinks they are a guy. Actually one of the best ways to get clocked is to have large "fake" looking boobs.

It really is the overall look, not some small detail. Very few people go around studying people's hands or their hair line etc to gender them but trans people probably look there first.

I am growing my own hair out because well its natural BUT wigs are very nice as well and can be worn as you grow out your hair.

I find many synthetic wigs look more natural and lifelike than  real hair wigs.  Real hair wigs tend to require an obscene amount of maintanence as well.  I mean real hair sometimes does to but wigs can become meh no matter how well you treat them.  Synthetic wigs can be very flowy and unpredictable without the hastle or sometimes dullness or wierdness.

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 07:39:47 AM
Hair is not factored in how people gender you BTW.

I'd like to weigh in on this little debate. 

My experience(s) says that unless you are small, quite slight of frame (which I am definitely not), and have an entirely feminine featured face, long or longer hair much more often than not does help considerably; and even some of these petite and pretty featured types have even greater femininity with long hair.

Having said that, for certain rather rare individuals, long hair can be overrated.   However, everything being even close to equal, at least at this point in time in this society, long almost undeniably helps—and is oh so appealing.

And yes, I do happen to be over 40.

I agree with Patstar. I have two real hair wigs. One is shortish and I quite like it, but my beauty therapist prefers me in my wig that is much longer with the hair just below my shoulder blades. She says that it makes me look much more feminine. Also interestingly she says  that when looking at me, people would first notice the long hair, then the fact I have no Adams Apple (and therefore must be female), then my colour coronation and natural skin tones from the makeup in my "autumn colours" so leaving not a shadow of doubt that I was female.

Whereas my shorter wig doesnt do that for me. Its a pity as I love the style.

Hugs
JudithLynn

Since halloween is coming up (unless your country doesn't have it), a lot of stores are selling cheap wigs. I went to the mall and saw a lot of wings in both natural and unnatural colors. You might want to buy one now or just after halloween, just to try one out. Youtube has a lot of videos with tips on make cheap wigs look less fake, and how to make your own wig.

and just because it is somewhat related I'll link this video Wig from my own hair prank - ORIGINAL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yszaH9h-JCg#) . it's a prank video, but it's also the only reference I have to someone making a wig from their own hair. While there are services that offer making wigs from your real hair, they often mix in other hair (fake or real) since apparently one head of hair isn't enough to make a wig.


A question of my own, I posted a different thread about it but I don't think it would be a harm to ask here. What are the normal price ranges of wigs? I saw some shoulder length wigs (in a wig store, not halloween wigs) that were selling from $13 to $17.

Quote from: judithlynn on October 11, 2012, 07:36:18 PM...beauty therapist...

What a great concept. I've never heard that term. I think most of could use one of those.

I do both. I mostly just use my real hair and have that cut and colored to my desire. But some days I just like to wear a funky wig or cosplay for events.

being a FtM, I have my hair super short, but due to the fact that I am not out yet along with lack of desire for personal drama, I have lots of female wigs for family situations to make myself what my parents call "presentable"

+ hell, Wigs are fun! Its always fun to mix it up now and then.

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 07:39:47 AM
Notice how most people recommending wigs are over 40yrs old.

Hair is not factored in how people gender you BTW.

Oh yes it is.

It's in the top three of someone getting clocked

1. Facial Appearance
2. Voice
3. Hair

Quote from: Seyranna on October 10, 2012, 07:39:47 AM
Notice how most people recommending wigs are over 40yrs old.

Hair is not factored in how people gender you BTW. Of course if you're balding real bad it'll come off as a manly feature but provided your hair is full it doesn't matter if you have long hair or not. It's a myth from the trans world. Back when I started transition I had around 1 inch of hair( had a buzz cut 2-3 months prior) I was sure I'd need a wig but then I was systematically mam'ed at work because of body language and facial expressions. So yes I was lucky to pass well pre-HRT but it also made me realize that hair is severely overrated in passability.

^This. Most people at my college read me as female at first despite presenting like a regular guy, and I have really short hair O.o. It's not just hair, it's voice, body, and sometimes some people are just really lucky.

However, your own long hair can help give you a feminine "check" in your column if you struggle with the above.

Quote from: Joshua_Sarah on September 30, 2012, 08:18:01 PM
I didn't see this on the search so I hope I didn't miss it, and yes I know you can get wigs made with real hair :P. I was just curious to see how many people here decided to use wigs, is it more common in the younger years? maybe those first starting out transitioning? There are some really nice looks for shorts hair but I've been looking at getting a wig, something about shoulder length and a lighter brown than my actual hair colour. How about everyone else, if you do use one what length and colour do you prefer? or do you keep a couple depending on your mood? I look forward to seeing what others respond.

You can't beat your own 'real' hair, especially if your after a 'natural' look.

If you can grow it, use products that give your hair a thicker look. There are brands on the market to achieve
this i.e. hair density products.

<------------ wearing a wig.

I wear a wig because my hair is very short because of my ethnicity so it's very coarse and thick, it's the same equivalent to African American hair so I just wear wigs and I also wear sewn-in weaves, just like many African American girls do! :P